Free Web NovelChapter 197: Chapter 197 Vertex Secret Spills
Sylvia’s POV
She gestured around the room like she was presenting a masterpiece. "Just a small token of appreciation for both you and Caesar. After everything that’s happened, I realized how immature and petty I’ve been." Her eyes lowered in Oscar-worthy contrition. "Caesar has always been special to me, but I need to respect that you’re his mate. This dinner is my way of apologizing and showing gratitude for putting up with my behavior."
Every word reeked of bullshit. My wolf snarled low in my mind, sensing the deception. What twisted game was Helena playing now? And where was Caesar?
"How thoughtful," I managed, scanning the room for any sign of my mate. "Is Caesar home yet?"
"Oh, he’s tied up on a call with some Vertex executives," Helena said, arranging silverware like she was defusing a bomb. "Something urgent about their latest project. You know how demanding they can be with him."
She glanced up, studying my reaction like I was a lab specimen. "It must be exhausting being mated to someone so... entangled with Vertex. Especially given what they’re really planning—"
The front door opened like a scene from a movie, and Caesar’s commanding presence filled the entryway. His dark eyes took in the tableau—me standing stiff as a board with suspicion, Helena playing housewife in our home—and his expression went nuclear.
"Helena," he said, his voice carrying that Alpha authority that could make grown men wet themselves. "I wasn’t aware we were expecting you."
She turned toward him with practiced grace. "I wanted to surprise you both with a peace offering. After everything that’s gone down, I felt it was time to bury the hatchet."
Caesar’s gaze locked onto mine, a silent question in his eyes. I gave him the tiniest shake of my head, communicating my complete lack of trust.
"How thoughtful," he echoed my earlier words, though his tone could have frozen hell over. He moved to my side, his hand finding the small of my back in a gesture that was pure possession and reassurance rolled into one.
The tension in the room was suffocating.
"I hope I wasn’t overstepping," Helena continued, her voice sweet as antifreeze. "I just thought, given Caesar’s complicated relationship with Vertex’s leadership, you two could use a nice evening together without worrying about—"
"Helena," Caesar cut her off like a blade. "Perhaps we should discuss your... concerns privately."
My wolf went ballistic at the thought of them sharing secrets I wasn’t allowed to hear. What exactly was Caesar’s relationship with Vertex? As Wolf King, he wielded incredible power over pack politics, but without a strong family dynasty backing him, even someone in his position would need powerful allies in the human corporate world. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓
Was he being manipulated by Vertex? Controlled? Blackmailed? The possibilities made my gut twist into knots.
"Actually," I said, stepping slightly away from Caesar to make my point, "I think anything concerning my mate should be discussed with me in the room."
Helena’s eyes lit up like Christmas morning. "I couldn’t agree more. Caesar has always been too protective of those he cares about. But you deserve to know—"
"Enough." Caesar’s voice wasn’t loud, but it hit like a physical force. Both Helena and I felt the crushing weight of his dominance washing over us like a tidal wave.
I lifted my chin, refusing to be shut down. "Caesar, if there’s something I should know about your dealings with Vertex—"
"There’s nothing for you to worry about," he said, his eyes going soft when they met mine, though the steel never left his voice.
"But that’s exactly the problem," I pressed. "I’m not worried for myself. I’m worried about you." I stepped closer to him, dropping my voice to something intimate. "Whatever leverage they have over you, whatever pressure you’re under—you don’t have to handle it solo anymore. I’m your mate. I stand with you."
Something powerful flickered across Caesar’s face—surprise, followed by an emotion that made my chest tight. His eyes burned into mine with an intensity that stole my breath.
Helena watched our exchange with the predatory focus of a hawk. "How touching," she murmured. "But Sylvia, you should understand that Caesar’s position as Wolf King is shakier than it looks. Without a traditional power base—"
"My mate’s position is rock solid," I cut her off, turning to face her head-on. "And if you were actually his friend, you’d have his back instead of trying to plant seeds of doubt." My voice went cold as winter. "I appreciate the dinner gesture, Helena, but I think it’s time you figured out your place in our lives."
Helena’s sweet mask cracked for a split second, revealing the venom underneath, before she plastered it back on. "Of course. I only want what’s best for Caesar. Always have."
Caesar’s fingers dug into my waist possessively. "Helena and I need to clear the air," he said, his eyes never leaving her face. "Would you mind giving us a minute, Sivi?"
Part of me wanted to dig in my heels—to demand answers about Vertex right here, right now—but the strategic part of my brain recognized this wasn’t the battlefield to choose. Whatever twisted game Helena was running, Caesar seemed determined to shut it down without an audience.
"Fine," I relented. "I’ll be upstairs."
As I climbed the stairs, I couldn’t shake the bitter taste in my mouth at the thought of them trading secrets I was locked out of. What could be so damaging about Caesar’s relationship with Vertex that he couldn’t tell his own mate?
I paused at the top of the stairs, tempted to play spy, but decided against it. Trust was a two-way street.
But that didn’t mean I had to like being left in the dark.
